In 2002, Sabrina Greenlee, mother of NFL star DeAndre Hopkins, endured a life-altering attack that left her blind and severely burned. At the time, Hopkins was just 10 years old. The incident occurred when a woman, upon discovering that her boyfriend was involved with Greenlee, assaulted her by throwing a mixture of lye and bleach onto her face. This brutal act caused immediate and excruciating pain, leading to the loss of Greenlee’s vision and significant disfigurement. She was airlifted to a burn center in Georgia and placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks to stabilize her condition.
The aftermath of the attack presented immense challenges for Greenlee and her family. Upon returning home, her children were confronted with the stark changes in their mother’s appearance. Hopkins recalled the shock and fear he felt, realizing the permanence of his mother’s injuries. Despite these hardships, Greenlee was determined to support her family. She undertook various jobs, including babysitting and, at times, selling drugs, to provide for her children. Reflecting on those times, she acknowledged the adverse environment it created for her kids but felt compelled to take any measures necessary to ensure their survival.
Over time, Greenlee embarked on a profound journey of healing and forgiveness. In an extraordinary act of compassion, she forgave her attacker, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Greenlee recognized that harboring anger would impede her ability to be the mother her children needed. Through prayer and introspection, she began to humanize her assailant, understanding that forgiveness was essential for her own healing. This process also involved seeking forgiveness from her children for the tumultuous circumstances they endured, a step that Hopkins vividly remembers and deeply appreciates.
Greenlee’s resilience and unwavering support have been a cornerstone in Hopkins’ life and career. Despite her blindness, she attends his games, and Hopkins honors her by handing her the football after each touchdown—a tradition that began during his youth football days. This gesture symbolizes their unbreakable bond and serves as a tribute to her enduring strength and sacrifice.
Today, Greenlee channels her experiences into advocacy and support for others facing similar challenges. She founded a non-profit organization aimed at empowering and assisting survivors of domestic violence, providing them with resources and a platform to heal and rebuild their lives. Her journey from victim to survivor and advocate exemplifies the transformative power of forgiveness and resilience. Through her story, both Greenlee and Hopkins hope to inspire others to overcome adversity and find strength in the face of unimaginable hardships.
